Ever since I can remember I have loved Halloween. Everything about it from the dressing up, the horror movie marathons on television, and everything magically becoming pumpkin flavored has been truly special to me.
When I was eleven I found out about Knott’s Scary Farm. I almost couldn’t believe it, one of my favorite theme parks at night transformed into a huge haunted house? A place where scenes from scary movies and stories that I loved became real life and I could experience them? I begged my mother to take me to this magical place! Well, little eleven year old Giselle got her wish. I’ll never forget how much fun I had and new love for my favorite time of year was born. Also, major props to my mom for staying up until 2am so her weird kid could pretend she was in a scary movie.
Needless to say when so many years later I got the chance to cover the official announcement for this year’s Knott’s Scary Farm I was freaking delighted as hell. Here, kids, is my report on what we all can look forward to at this year’s Haunt. May I say it looks pretty damn spectacular. The second Dianne and I walked into the auditorium we were greeted with the smell of artificial fog, an aroma that has a special place in my little heart, and monsters! Eeek! Even though Haunt doesn’t start until September 24th we were getting a little taste of what was to come. We sat in our seats at the ghouls reveled in terrifying us as we waited for the announcement to begin. 
Our host that night was Jeff Tucker who started off the evening by saying that Halloween is not a holiday, it’s a way of life. Here here, sir! He went on to tell us about what we can look forward to this year at Haunt. 
This year the Scary Farm Pass returns and this time parking is included. I used the Scary Farm Pass last year and it is was definitely worth it and knowing that parking is now included is a major upgrade.
Returning also is the great Elvira! Her show this year is called Elvira’s Asylum. Here’s a fun fact, I got to see her show back when I was twelve, so seeing her back at Haunt is beyond exciting.
As to be expected the live show The Hanging shall return. This year it’s called ‘The Hanging: Straight Outta Calico’ and what makes this show different is that it is interactive with the audience. We will be able to use our smartphones to determine the fate of the show.
Scare Zones I simultaneously love and hate scare zones. In a maze there is a bit of order because there is a path to be followed. You know where you’re going and you can suspect typically when someone is about to come at you. In scare zones it’s delicious chaos. You’re just out there never knowing when the next monster will appear. You’re completely vulnerable and if you run they will run after you. Trust me. Here are the scare zones to look forward to and dread.
Fiesta de las Muertos
Carnevil
Ghost Town 
Tucker pointed out that this year Ghost Town has been upgraded. The zone is the biggest they have ever done and there is no safe place to hide. There will also be an area dedicated to a new terror called ‘The Dollmaker’ that is tied to one of my favorite past mazes, ‘The Doll Factory’.
Mazes
Oh, mazes. What I love about mazes are the different themes, stories, and atmospheres that are created. It’s the chance to explore that specific scary world that has always beguiled and terrified you. Before you ask, yes, as a teenager the vampire mazes were my favorite. Sorry not sorry. (Pssst, they still are). Here are the mazes returning to Haunt this year.
Pinocchio Unstrung
Black Magic
Trick or Treat
Forevermore
Voodoo: Order of the Serpent
The Tooth Fairy
This maze came from the mind of David Miller. What will be different about Tooth Fairy this year is that there will be a new ending to the maze, a blackout room, and a strobe light room. I think I just peed a little.
Special Ops Infected: Patient Zero
This interactive laser tag/horror experience was created by John Cook. This year the weapons have been upgraded so that the more zombies you shoot, the better the weapon becomes. Oh, and there will be even more zombies this time.
Gunslinger’s Grave: Blood Moon Rises
New Mazes
The Dead of Winter
The world of this maze differs from all others because it takes place in the snow. There are no shadows, all the terror is in the light. All you will see is snow and “rich blood red.” Oh, did I mention there is an Evil Snow Queen and viking warriors?
Calico Mine Ride: My Bloody Clementine
The Calico Mine ride has returned and this time there will be talent in the ride to scare you! Huzzah! The story of this ride turned maze is that Clementine and her father move to town only to get murdered. Their ghosts want revenge and as the ride progresses Clementine’s ghost becomes more vengeful.
Paranormal, Inc.
This interactive maze experience was created by John Cook. The premise is that basic cable show “Paranormal, Inc.” is hunting for ghosts…. and perhaps finds them. What makes this maze different is not only is it interactive, but there are multiple branching story lines. Oh, and it takes place in a haunted asylum. Better invest in some Depends.
The Green Witch and the Deadly Seven
The evil Green Witch is here and she brought some of her friends. I’m pretty sure they just want to get to know us over a cup of nice tea. Yep. I’m going to keep telling myself that.
I don’t know about you, but I am counting down the days until I get to experience this. I am so freaking delighted I got to cover this event and have managed to become giddier than usual in my excitement for the best time of the year.
Here is our video which contains footage from the announcement itself!
This is where my report ends. The 43rd Annual Knott’s Scary Farm runs from September 24th to October 31st.
Until then little ones, to quote Jeff Tucker, “See you in the fog.“
